Review conducted into tunnelling code of practice

The New South Wales Government has released an updated tunnelling code, aiming to keep workers safe from dust diseases.

Tunnelling can be a vital part of building public transport infrastructure yet poses risks to workers including silica dust exposure from the rock and sandstone being tunnelled through.

The “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice” is open for consultation via the Have Your Say website, with industry and union stakeholders invited to make submissions until 28 November 2025.

Prior to the review, the existing Tunnels Under Construction Code of Practice hasn’t been reviewed since 2006.

Since January 2024 to present, SafeWork NSW has conducted over 100 site inspections in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

Since 207, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in New South Wales.

The draft updated code of practice has been developed in consultation with an industry and social partners working group and covers many aspects of tunnel construction.

Proposed updates to the code include managing silica risks using appropriate controls with a strong focus on the use engineering controls including adequate ventilation. As well as the inclusion of ventilation officers and certified occupational hygienists in tunnelling as best practice measures. This inclusion is consistent with recommendations from the 2024 Review of the Dust Diseases scheme. It also highlights managing psychosocial hazards such as remote working which is often a feature of tunnelling. As well as tunnel boring machine content to account for changing industry practice and the move away from using explosives to tunnel.

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The New South Wales Government will analyse contributions and continue to consult with industry and unions before finalising the new code.

Other initiatives outlined in the code include leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.

The state is establishing the Silica Worker Register to monitor and track the health of workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS). It will also establish a Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects.

The Taskforce is made up of government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance on the prevention of silica and other dust-related diseases, associated with tunnelling projects in New South Wales.

It also includes the establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.

The state has also committed $5 million in funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust, as well as $2.5 million for a Lung Bus which is currently travelling New South Wales to protect workers from dust diseases.

Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety said, the consultation opportunity is a chance to ensure everybody has a say in making sure the state gets it right

“The Have Your Say consultation gives everybody a seat at the table,” said Cotsis.

“This is a way to come together and discuss the safety of tunnel construction workers, because when it comes to worker safety, it impacts more than just the people on the job but also families, friends and communities.

“The reviewed code builds on the New South Wales Government’s strong record of tackling high-crystalline silica processing risks, which includes banning engineered stone, establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and launching the silica worker register.”

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au